Ejemplo Abstract XIV SEMINARIO INTERNACIONAL DE ACTUALIZACIÓN EN MEDICINA, NUTRICIÓN Y PROMOCIÓN DE LA SALUD ESCUELA SUPERIOR POLITECNICA DE CHIMBORAZO

1. Characterization of a plasmid pMBA19a in a
strain of Sinorhizobium meliloti. Role of this
plasmid
in
the
quorum
sensing
associated
phenotypes
Monica Cartelle Gestal
Centre of Biomolecular Sciences. University of Nottingham
monica.gestal@nottingha.ac.uk
mcarges@gmail.com
SINOPLASMID (RH0735)
Project description
Sinorhizobium meliloti, is a root-colonizing bacterium used for centuries to improve the fertility of
agricultural soils. This bacterium interacts with roots and induces the formation of nitrogen-fixing
nodules, enabling plants to utilise atmospheric nitrogen resulting in the improvement of soil fertility
and hence crop production., S. meliloti can act as biocontrol agents against fungal and viral infections.
My research focuses, on the cryptic plasmid pMBA19a found in S. meliloti.
Preliminary results show:
•
The plasmid is highly self-transferable
•
pMBA19a has different types of genes involved in replication, conjugation, regulation,
maintenance and others.
•
pMBA19a has a toxin-antitoxin system possibly involved in its maintenance and proliferation.
•
The RsmA in the plasmid is functional as it restores the functionality of an RsmA mutation in
P. aeruginosa .
pMBA19a affects the levels of QS molecules in the host although the mechanism behind it is currently
under investigation.
Impact
There have been no previous studies where some of these regulators have been found in cryptic
plasmids. This is the first time the impact of the combined effect of RsmA, TCS and QS on the
molecular biology of cryptic plasmids is being studied. In addition, since cryptic plasmids and some of
these regulatory systems are present in many other organisms of importance to medicine, industry and
agriculture, the results obtained from this multidisciplinary IEF project will set up a platform for the
optimisation of inoculants in agriculture but also the discovery novel relationships between regulatory
network which by extent will have an impact on the identification of novel conserved antibacterial
targets against a wide range of bacterial pathogens which harbour cryptic plasmids. This information
is enabling us to understand; what is the influence of self-transmissible cryptic plasmids in the biology
of bacterial populations and their relationship with their eukaryotic hosts, and what are the molecular
relationships between the regulatory systems present in cryptic plasmids and those from the bacteria.
The project has four main beneficiaries: (i) At the personal level I am getting an advanced training

2. scheme most suitable for my individual needs within a worldwide recognised centre of excellence in
bacterial signalling research. This is maximising my competence, diversification and lifelong learning
as an independent researcher for a fast tracking career in both academia and industry enhancing my
future professional opportunities as there is a deficit in Europe within the area of crop biocontrol and
growth promotion. It enabling my and the University, to address a major challenge on agriculture
sustainability issues together and to expand the network of highly trained researchers in this area
within the EU (ii) At the research level it will result in the development of new approaches for the
design of more effective inoculants in agriculture by considering the impact cryptic plasmids have in
agriculture which ultimately, will lead to urgently needed reduction of pesticides, which can only be
achieved within a multidisciplinary framework (iii) At the EU level, it will enhance European
competitiveness in innovative agriculture inocula design by ensuring that the European Research Area
starts to set up platforms for future development. (iv) At the international level, it will address a major
global agriculture and health threat, caused by the excessive use of chemical fertiliser; placing Europe
at the forefront in the reduction in usage of it and advancing crop biocontrol.